4500 websites selling fake products closed

Europol has cracked down on online piracy and counterfeit sites, taking more than 4,500 domain names offline

Undated file photo of a person using a laptop keyboard

Three websites have been closed. Source: Press Association

Police have shut down 4,500 websites selling fake goods as part of a worldwide crackdown on trademark piracy, European law enforcement agency Europol reported.

The operation, which was carried out jointly by Europol, Interpol and US legal authorities, targeted websites in 27 countries.

Investigators focused their efforts on online shops selling luxury goods, sportswear, replacement parts, medicines and cosmetics.

The internet was increasingly being used to sell fake products, Europol wrote.

"These products might look like bargains, but they can pose a real threat to the safety and security of consumers."


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Source: AAP



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